The UK Governments is currently operating the so-called Points Based System, or the PBS, which is generally split into the 4 main Tiers: Tier 1, Tier 2, Tier 4 and Tier 5. Each of these Tiers is also split into a number of sub-tiers. Generally, the lower the number in the Tier, the more valuable the migrant is for the UK Government. The below is a general description of the currently available Tier 2 immigration categories.

Tier 2 General

Tier 2 General allows an applicant to come to the UK to work provided the applicant is sponsored by the suitably licensed Tier 2 sponsor in the UK. The Tier 2 General migrants must be paid over and above the minimum threshold, specified for most of the jobs in the UK Government's Code of Practice for Skilled Workers (the CoP). On completion of a 5 year qualifying period and subject to meeting the relevant Rules, a Tier 2 General migrant may apply for Settlement in the UK.

The Tier 2 General migrant can bring with them their partners and children under the age of 18 (at the time of the initial application).

Tier 2 General immigration category may be applied for either from outside of the UK or in the UK.

TIER 2 ICT (Intra-Company Transfer)

Tier 2 ICT is designed for the transfer of the skilled personnel from the firm's branch overseas into the UK. The maxim period of time a Tier 2 ICT applicant can remain in the UK is 9 years (depends on the migrant's salary). Tier 2 ICT applicant may not qualify for Settlement under the current Rules and will need to switch into a different immigration category in order to qualify for Settlement . The Tier 2 ICT applicant can bring with them their partners and children under the age of 18 (at the time of the initial application).

Tier 2 ICT immigration category may usually be applied for from outside of the UK.

TIER 2 Sports People

The Tier 2 Sports People immigration category allows sports applicants to come to the UK to play or coach in the sports related field. An applicant should insure that he or she intends to base himself/herself in the UK. The applicant should also be internationally established at the highest level of the relevant sport. Your employment must make a significant contribution to the development of your sport at the highest level in the UK.

On completion of a 5 year qualifying period and subject to meeting the relevant Rules, a Tier 2 Sports People migrant may apply for Settlement in the UK.

The Tier 2 Sports People migrant can bring with them their partners and children under the age of 18 (at the time of the initial application).

Tier 2 Sports People immigration category may be applied for either from outside of the UK or in the UK.

TIER 2 Ministers of Religion

The Tier 2 Ministers of Religion category allows an applicant to come to the UK to perform recognised religious duties, for example preaching to a community and performing pastoral roles. This will not include coming to the UK temporarily in a non-pastoral role to perform religious rites or other duties. These categories are covered under Tier 5 Temporary Workers.

On completion of a 5 year qualifying period and subject to meeting the relevant Rules, a Tier 2 Ministers of Religion migrant may apply for Settlement in the UK.

The Tier 2 Ministers of Religion migrant can bring with them their partners and children under the age of 18 (at the time of the initial application).

Tier 2 Ministers of Religion immigration category may be applied for either from outside of the UK or in the UK.

The above is just a general description of the relevant PBS immigration categories, as detailed description and requirements would take hundreds and hundreds of pages (also frequently updated by the UK BA).

We regularly work with the above immigration categories and we can certainly answer your questions or perhaps assist you in coming yo the UK as a migrant in one of the Tier PBS categories.

The above options are not exhaustive as we treat every client's case individually. Please do not hesitate to book a phone, Skype or office consultation with us for a professional immigration advice and possible further representation before the UK Border Agency or the First Tier or Upper Tier Tribunal (Immigration and Asylum Chamber) (FTT/UTT IAC).